The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo State has committed to addressing the disconnect between academic training and global labour market demands. The institution announced this while unveiling a specialized International Career Centre (ICC) aimed at producing world-class healthcare professionals prepared for cross-border employment.
Partnership with Canadian Education Council
The centre, established in partnership with the Canadian Education Council (CEC), marks a shift from theoretical medical education toward competency-driven, internationally benchmarked career preparation. During the inauguration ceremony, the country director of the CEC, Dr. John Adeniyi, explained that the organization's core mission in Nigeria is to eliminate the gap between what students learn in lecture halls and what employers demand across international health systems.
Adeniyi noted that the CEC achieves this by embedding international career centres directly within Nigerian universities. This ensures that students gain globally competitive employability skills, accredited professional certifications, and the practical competencies required to thrive in diverse work environments. The facility is designed to offer students career development pathways, employability training, international certifications, and direct exposure to workplace standards in North America and beyond.
University's Vision for Market-Ready Graduates
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, described the centre's establishment as a major milestone in the university's long-term strategy to produce market-ready graduates. Adejuyigbe emphasized that the ICC would function as a vital bridge linking academic learning to professional practice. It will offer students career guidance services, employability and leadership training, mentorship programmes, internship placements, and structured exposure to global best practices.
According to the vice-chancellor, the partnership with the Canadian Education Council aligns with the university's vision of raising healthcare professionals and future leaders capable of creating value and driving innovation. “The establishment of this centre is a reaffirmation of our commitment to nurturing healthcare professionals and leaders who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical skills, international outlook and entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in today's competitive global environment,” she stated.
She added that the initiative would enhance students' career prospects, positioning them for long-term success in a rapidly changing world where healthcare delivery models continue to evolve.
